Unique Wearable Gifts Available at PMoA's Gems & Jewels Artist Market

9 Nov. 2009

Polk Museum of Art is pleased to once again host its annual Gems & Jewels Artist Market on Thursday, November 19, 10am - 4pm. Seven jewelers and wearable artists will have their work on display for purchase, just in time for the holidays. Admission to the event is free.

CONTACT: Meredith Spresser, Public Relations & Marketing Manager, 863-688-7743 ext. 235, MSpresser@PolkMuseumofArt.org

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/9/2009

Unique Wearable Gifts Available at Polk Museum of Art's Gems & Jewels Artist Market

LAKELAND, FL. - Polk Museum of Art is pleased to once again host its annual Gems & Jewels Artist Market on Thursday, November 19, 10am - 4pm. Seven jewelers and wearable artists will have their work on display for purchase, just in time for the holidays. Admission to the event is free.

Gems & Jewels Artist Market is a wearable art event and an opportunity to buy jewelry, scarves, bags, and fashion accessories from local and national artists. The artists are Mary Bassham, Leslie Belcher, Autumn DeFrank, Zenia Lis, Vicky Luffman, Punam Saxena, and Anisa Stewart.

Mary Bassham uses freshwater pearls and gemstones to create handmade silver and gold necklaces, bracelets, rings, and earrings. She uses lost wax casting to create wearable art.

Leslie Belcher uses glass to make contemporary jewelry designs. She draws inspiration from nature and uses gemstones, pearls, copper, sterling silver, and other fine material to enhance the jewelry.

Autumn DeFrank is a custom jeweler from Bradenton, Florida, who gets her inspiration from the sea. The pieces are unique in their designs, and often depict fish, mermaids, alligators, cranes, and other Florida creatures.

Zenia Lis has been making jewelry for nearly ten years and creates unique silver pieces accented with handpicked gemstones. She has showcased her artwork throughout Ohio and Michigan.

Vicky Luffman is a silk painter who creates beautiful handpainted silk scarves and wall hangings.

Anisa Stewart jewelry is crafted from hand carved wax and cast into 14K gold and tarnish free silver. Each piece is set with precious and semi-precious stones.

Punam Saxena specializes in hand-made jewelry, handbags, and fashion accessories.

Gems & Jewels Artist Market is held in conjunction with Polk Museum of Art's annual Holiday Luncheon. Visitors do not have to purchase a ticket for the luncheon in order to shop at Gems & Jewels. Admission to Gems & Jewels is free. Reservations are required for the Holiday Luncheon and may be acquired by calling 863-688-7743 x240.

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